in the process of dp and coil over install will post pics shortly.

 

The only time it bothers me is when I'm driving into the sun, but putting the visor down takes care of that. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the Light In Sight.

 

Taking care of my oil leak and other misc items





In other disturbing news I found a couple plastic shards in the oil pan...I know this mini, under previous ownership, had the timing chain failure and was replaced by the dealer...so I'm hoping that this is left over from the previous failure and not a new issue...

 

Changed the oil and filter last night at 65,800 miles. She got the Royal Purple 5W30 treatment with an OEM filter.

Also found my aluminum polishing kit and made the filter cap look chrome-like before reinstalling it. It's shiny.

 

She is going in for a front end alignment today. I replaced my whole front suspension system last week. FyI, if anyone needs to rent the tool to push out and replace the front lower bushing, let me know. I charge 60 for the rental and 90 deposit. Saved me a ton of headache.

 

took my GP to be re gassed first time in 7 years at a dealer, guy asked if mileage is correct or was it faulty

 

Just staring at an ever-growing pile of parts. It’s been too cold to do anything. There will be another couple of parts today when my order from MINI of South Atlanta arrives today. I’m just going to break down and buy a heater for the garage or just wait another month grrr. Today I did rekey the used door lock cylinder I bought off another NAM-er.

 

Getting ready to pound out the crank pulley today. Expecting the ATI pulley, crank bolt, seal and puller to arrive via USPS.

Then its game time.

 

Made the IP look more finished (rear fog switch). Now to get it some edumacation.

 

Do you have any issues with the dime sliding when you stop on it?

C ya,
Dutch

 

Man, sorry about the oil. Hope it turns out to be OK. But I could look at BC's all day long.

Have a little brake and strut mount project going on - cut a set of MINI ramps since my floor jack won't fit otherwise.



While I'm waiting for my new brake kit, going to black out the rear calipers and side markers. Kinda wild seeing the Kid without wheels.

 

Had J L Audio 6.5" component speakers (C3) installed in the front today, sounds very good.

 

BC coil overs install finished today

24" shop floor to top of fender.

We shall see how Pepé handles at AutoX

Also dipped the hood scoop

 

Looks good Dave.

 

Installed new Chili Red mirror caps. These will tie in better when I install the new competition stripes and red hashmarks and red calipers. Also shows my new M7 hoodscoop, but you can't see my new BSM clutch stop. Several new mods coming in the next couple of days and I'll update at that time.

 

 

Well I was going to change my oil. However some goober who was the previous owner tore the crap out of the drain plug head. So before I try to remove the old one. I had to order a new one. Then wil change next weekend.

 

Got to love those people who actually try to use a 13mm on an R53's 1/2" drain plug... :(

 

How hard is it to change the valve cover gasket on a R53. Im going to try to tighten to spec. But if it does not stop some lf the leaking I found. Im going to have to change it.

 

Not too terribly difficult, I have only had mine off once though. IIRC the hard part is keeping stuff out of the way as you are putting it back in.

 

Took advantage of the 50 degree weather and got two coats of caliper paint on my rear calipers. They're on the car - a pesky job...

Also sprayed my side markers - 3 coats of Night Shade.

 

thanks I had a fun time today out on the track!

 

Saturday, pulled into dealer for free car wash. As I ran the window down when the SA approached the half power check light came on. Rough idle that I noticed since turning the AC off a few days back. (1st 70 degree temps) Low too. Turned it off turned it on no CEL and I said pass to a diag. He said sounds like hpfp. After wash he coerced me into taking the $120 gamble he felt so sure about it and sure enough. Got me a brand new high pressure fuel pump on warranty. I was afraid something I'd done caused the issue but was I relieved. Couldn't have happened at a better time or place.

 

Last weekend fabricated an OCC and installed. Plugged the passenger side PCV tube and removed the cabin noise tube. Made a scoop to duct more of the air entering the driver side grill tot he stock air intake. Tok the Dremel to the grill to open up more slots on that side.
This weekend continued to de-chrome and subdue. Installed blue Laminx on headlights and fog lights. Put smoke on the third brake light, the turn signal portion for the tail lights and the scuttle lights. Painted the headlight rings, scuttles, and grill trim. Next will be the door handles and the gas cap.

 

Here are the other pics that I could not attach to my previous post.